Lip Piercings

There are many different types of lip piercings and on this page you can learn about the most popular types of lip piercing. Theoretically the lip can be placed anywhere around the mouth but the most popular lip piercing is a labret piercing in the centre of the bottom lip. Lip piercings are considered both oral and facial piercings and require careful cleaning. Despite this they generally heal rapidly, thanks to the plentiful blood supply to the mouth.

Most lip piercings carry a risk of tooth and gum damage including gum recession due to jewellery rubbing against the gum line. This damage can be permanent so it is important to keep an eye on lip piercings and consult a piercer or dentist if necessary. We recommend that you consult an experienced body piercer if you notice any change to your teeth or gums, especially gum shrinkage. Most damage can be prevented through choosing correctly fitting jewellery or softer jewellery materials. Bioplast labret studs are recommended for lip piercings because they are soft and flexible, reducing the chance of oral damage.

More Body Piercing Types

Labret Piercing

A labret piercing is a piercing through the lower lip, usually placed in the centre of the lower lip. Labret piercings are popular and most people can get this piercing. Labret piercings can be placed up near the edge of the lip or further down, depending on preference and anatomy.

Labret Piercing Jewellery & Aftercare

You can wear a labret stud, BCR or circular bar in your labret piercing although technically lip piercings should only be referred to as "labret piercings" if you wear a labret stud in them. Lip piercings heal relatively quickly. Initial jewellery is often a longer labret stud in order to accommodate swelling. This can be switched to a shorted stud when the swelling has gone down. Labret piercings carry a risk of tooth and gum damage due to jewellery rubbing against teeth and gums. This damage can be permanent so it is very important to consult a professional piercer if you notice any change in the area or recession of the gums. This damage can be avoided by wearing a soft Bioplast labret stud. The outside of the piercing should be cleaned daily with saline solution. Rinse with suitable mouthwash twice daily and after eating. Avoid alcohol and smoking until fully healed.

Side Lip Piercing

A side lip piercing is a labret piercing placed towards the left or right side of the lip. The term "side lip piercing" usually refers to piercings on the lower lip - upper side lip piercings are called Madonna or Monroe piercings.

Side Lip Piercing Jewellery & Aftercare

Labret studs, BCRs and circular barbells can be worn in your side lip piercing. In terms of healing and care, side lip piercings are very similar to labret piercings. There is a risk of tooth and gum damage due to jewellery rubbing against teeth and gums. This damage can be permanent so it is vital that you consult a professional piercer in the event of any change to the area. This damage can be avoided by wearing a soft Bioplast labret stud. The outside of the piercing should be cleaned daily with saline solution. Rinse with suitable mouthwash twice daily and after eating. Avoid alcohol and smoking until fully healed.

Madonna Piercing

A Madonna piercing is an upper lip piercing placed on the side of the lip. It is also known as a Monroe piercing, beauty mark piercing or Marilyn piercing.

Madonna Piercing Jewellery & Aftercare

Labret studs are worn in Madonna piercings, often with a relatively small threaded ball. Micro jewellery can be used for Madonna piercings and this piercing can be done at 1.6mm or 1.2mm. There is a risk of tooth and gum damage due to jewellery rubbing against teeth and gums. This damage can be permanent so it is vital that you consult a professional piercer in the event of any change to the area. This damage can be avoided by wearing a soft Bioplast labret stud. The outside of the piercing should be cleaned daily with saline solution. Rinse with suitable mouthwash twice daily and after eating. Avoid alcohol and smoking until fully healed.

Madonna Piercing Healing Time: 4 to 12 weeks

Medusa Piercing

A medusa piercing is a lip piercing placed in the philtrum - the vertical groove in the centre of the top lip. Medusa piercings are also known as philtrum piercings. Careful placement is very important, as a non-symmetrical medusa placement will noticeably affect the symmetry of the face.

Medusa Piercing Jewellery & Aftercare

Labret piercings are usually worn in medusa piercings. Most people choose a small threaded ball that fits neatly into the philtrum. There is a risk of tooth and gum damage due to jewellery rubbing against teeth and gums. This damage can be permanent so it is vital that you consult a professional piercer in the event of any change to the area. This damage can be avoided by wearing a soft Bioplast labret stud. The outside of the piercing should be cleaned daily with saline solution. Rinse with suitable mouthwash twice daily and after eating. Avoid alcohol and smoking until fully healed.

Medusa Piercing Healing Time: 4 to 12 weeks

Snake Bites Piercing

Snake bites piercings are a set of two lip piercings with one placed on either side of the lower lip. These piercings can be done at the same time or separately. The name "snake bites" can also refer to twin tongue piercings, commonly known as tongue venom piercings.

Snake Bites Piercing Jewellery & Aftercare

Labret studs, ball closure rings and circular barbells can all be worn in snake bites piercings. There is a risk of tooth and gum damage due to jewellery rubbing against teeth and gums. This damage can be permanent so it is vital that you consult a professional piercer in the event of any change to the area. This damage can be avoided by wearing a soft Bioplast labret stud. The outside of the piercing should be cleaned daily with saline solution. Rinse with suitable mouthwash twice daily and after eating. Avoid alcohol and smoking until fully healed.

Snake Bites Piercing Healing Time: 4 to 12 weeks

Spider Bites Piercing

The term "spider bites piercing" refers to two lower lip piercings, placed close together on the side of the lower lip. Spider bite piercings can be pierced separately and allowed to heal or done at the same time.

Spider Bites Piercing Jewellery & Aftercare

Spider bites piercings can be pierced with BCRs, circular barbells and labret studs. The healing process is the same as a regular labret piercing. There is a risk of tooth and gum damage due to jewellery rubbing against teeth and gums. This damage can be permanent so it is vital that you consult a professional piercer in the event of any change to the area. This damage can be avoided by wearing a soft Bioplast labret stud. The outside of the piercing should be cleaned daily with saline solution. Rinse with suitable mouthwash twice daily and after eating. Avoid alcohol and smoking until fully healed.